Entering the U.S. for All International Students

Entering the U.S. — Important Travel Information

I. TRAVEL GUIDANCE BY STUDENT STATUS

Guidance for New/Incoming Students (First-Time Entry To The U.S.)

All New/Incoming, Transfer-In, or Return from Leave of Absence international students MUST carry and present specific immigration documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a U.S. Port of Entry (POE).

BEFORE traveling, new/incoming F-1 and J-1 students MUST review the entry requirements on the ISO First-Time/New MIT Student Entering The U.S. webpage.

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Current Students (Entering The U.S.)

ATTENTION: F-1 students are NOT allowed to have prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months.

All current enrolled F-1 and J-1 students (i.e., not yet graduated) MUST bring the correct immigration documents when entering the U.S.

Therefore, BEFORE traveling, students MUST review the entry requirements for their status on the ISO web pages below:

  • F-1 Current Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing F-1 Students) webpage.
  • J-1 Current Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Students) webpage.

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Alumni Students (Entry After Program Completion)

ATTENTION: F-1 students are NOT allowed to have prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months.

All alumni F-1 and J-1 students who have graduated from MIT and are in a period of Optional Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students) MUST bring the correct immigration documents when entering the U.S.

Therefore, BEFORE traveling, students MUST review the entry requirements for their status on the ISO web pages below:

  • F-1 Alumni Students: Review the ISO Traveling During F-1 OPT/STEM OPT webpage.
  • J-1 Alumni Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Students) webpage.

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II. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION & PROCESSING

IMPORTANT: MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 Students MUST request a new “Certificate of Eligibility” (F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019) document with an updated travel signature online through iMIT. The ISO DOES NOT accept in-person requests.

Requesting Updated Immigration Documents & Travel Signatures

BEFORE making travel plans or submitting a request to the ISO, students MUST check if their most recently issued “Certificate of Eligibility” document already has a valid travel signature.

F-1 & J-1 Student TypesValid Travel Signature Must Be Dated Within
Current StudentsF-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 12 months.

J-1 Student: Most recently issued Form DS-2019 has been signed for travel (page 1) within the past 12 months.
Alumni Students
(With OPT / Academic Training)		F-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 6 months.

J-1 Student: Most recently issued Form DS-2019 has been signed for travel (page 1) within the past 6 months.

ATTENTION: Individuals sponsored by MIT MUST enter the U.S. only in F or J status (F-1/J-1 and F-2s/J2s). Entry in any other U.S. immigration status (B-1/B-2, ESTA/VWP, etc.) will terminate F/J status and result in the loss of legal eligibility to remain and study in the U.S.

How to Request a New Form I-20 / Form DS-2019 in iMIT
  • 1) Log in to iMIT (full-client services for current students / limited-client services for alumni)
  • 2) Select ”(F-1 or J-1) Student Services” from the left-side menu.
  • 3) Complete the ”Request Replacement of (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)” e-Form.
    • Select a reason for the new “Certificate of Eligibility” document request (e.g., “Travel Signature”).
    • Upload the REQUIRED financial support documentation.
      • Current Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the program end date, whichever is earlier.
      • Alumni Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the end date of their work/employment authorization period (OPT/AT), whichever is earlier.
  • 5) Review all information and documents to make sure they are correct and up to date.
  • 6) Click “Submit”.

REMINDER: When the new document is processed, students are REQUIRED to download, print, and “wet” sign their new electronic “Certificate of Eligibility” document by hand to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.

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ISO Processing Times
  • Immigration Document Processing Timeline: The ISO strives to process immigration requests as efficiently as possible and typically completes correct and complete requests within 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date of submission through iMIT.
  • Delivery of Immigration Documents: After the ISO processes a request, the student will receive an email at the primary email address on file. The email will include instructions on how to access and download the immigration document.
    • NOTE: Current U.S. government guidance for F-1 and J-1 students allows the ISO to send immigration documents electronically.
  • Immigration Document Signature Requirements: Students are NOT permitted to sign immigration documents digitally or electronically. Upon receiving the document(s), students MUST download, print, and hand-sign (“wet sign”) and date the document(s) to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
    • NOTE: Signed documents may then be used for international travel and visa sticker/stamp applications (as applicable).

IMPORTANT: Students should always carry previously issued immigration documents when traveling, as these may be needed to verify their prior U.S. immigration history.

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III. TRAVEL REMINDERS & RESOURCES

U.S. Port-Of-Entry Inspection & Common Questions

Students should carry ALL immigration documents with them in their carry-on luggage and NEVER place them in checked bags. Upon arrival in the U.S., students may be required to:

  • Have fingerprints scanned and a digital photograph taken.
  • Have personal items (e.g., luggage, pockets, bags) inspected.
  • Have documents photocopied or brief interviews recorded for review by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or other U.S. government agencies.
  • Undergo inspection of electronic devices (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). CBP officers may request passwords and review social media accounts, following the CBP Directive on Border Searches of Electronic Devices. Additional information is below in the ‘Traveling With Electronic Devices, Data, & Equipment’ section.
  • Answer questions from CBP officers at either Primary Inspection or Secondary Inspection.
    • NOTE: Being directed to Secondary Inspection is a standard procedure and does not necessarily indicate a problem. It simply allows CBP to access and review the student’s SEVIS record. Additional information is below in the ‘Secondary Inspection’ section.

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Traveling With Electronic Devices, Data, & Equipment

During entry to or departure from the U.S., CBP Officers may inspect any electronic devices a student is carrying (e.g., laptops, phones, cameras, USB drives). These inspections may occur without probable cause and may include a review of research data and social media accounts.

  • Before Traveling: Students who travel with MIT research data or equipment MUST carefully review the following:
    • MIT’s Information Protection Tasks for Securing Information webpage.
  • Prepare for Possible Device Inspection: To prepare for possible inspection, students:
    • SHOULD NOT travel with sensitive data that they do not want others to view (e.g., medical, personal, or research information).
    • SHOULD NOT travel with the only copy of critical files and/or research.
    • SHOULD make a backup plan if they will need access to specific data at the intended destination.
    • SHOULD limit devices and/or data to the minimum needed for the trip; use standard software and limit data to reduce inspection time and risk.

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Secondary Inspection

Secondary Inspection is a secure area where a student may be asked to wait and speak individually with a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. During this process, CBP Officers are able to review detailed information about the student’s immigration status, visa sticker/stamp, and SEVIS record. In secondary inspection, students should be aware of the following:

  • Phone use may be restricted and is only permitted with the approval of the CBP Officer.
  • Wait times may be lengthy (potentially several hours). These areas typically have access to restrooms and water.
  • There is no way to expedite the process, so students are strongly advised to remain calm and patient.
  • Being sent to secondary inspection does not mean the student has done anything wrong. It is a routine procedure used to complete required security checks, similar to those that occur during visa sticker/stamp processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
    • NOTE: If the wait becomes extended, a student may ask CBP for permission to contact someone waiting for them at the airport. CBP Officers also have access to ISO contact information if assistance is needed.

REMINDER: Once admitted to the U.S., the student MUST remember to download a copy of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to save as part of their ongoing immigration records.

ATTENTION: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other authorities may request these documents, especially near U.S. borders (within 100 miles of Canada or Mexico) or at transportation hubs. As mentioned above, students traveling in these areas should always carry their original immigration documents.

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DO NOT USE NEXUS OR GLOBAL ENTRY

All MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 students, as well as their dependents, CANNOT use NEXUS, Global Entry, or automated passport kiosks when entering the U.S. if they wish to maintain their F or J status.

For Correct Admission Into The U.S.:

  • An individual MUST speak directly with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer.
  • MUST present all required F or J immigration documents for inspection.

IMPORTANT: Failure to follow the above requirement will result in being admitted to the U.S. in the wrong status and losing eligibility to study/live in the U.S.

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Obtaining An I-94 Arrival/Entry Record

All MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 students, as well as their dependents, MUST review their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record after every entry into the U.S. Instructions for accessing the I-94 Record are available on the ISO’s Obtaining the Form I-94 webpage.

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Travel From Canada, Mexico, & Adjacent Islands

All MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 students, as well as their dependents, who travel to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands for a short visit (less than 30 days) MUST carry and present specific documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Students should carefully review the ISO’s Returning from Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands webpage BEFORE travel to ensure they have the correct documentation.

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How to Contact the ISO for Assistance

Hours of Operation: The ISO operates remotely from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST (excluding weekends and holidays) with limited in-person office hours.  

  • Limited In-Person Office Hours (For Urgent Situations ONLY):
    • Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 am-3:00 pm (EST).
    • Wednesdays: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (EST).

General Inquiries (Non-Emergency): For routine questions, after a student has thoroughly reviewed the ISO website, they may contact the ISO during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST):

Emergency Assistance (After Hours): After-hours contact phone numbers should be used ONLY in emergencies, such as CBP requesting additional information or immediate assistance, being denied entry at a U.S. Port of Entry, or being detained by U.S. government officials.

  • ISO Emergency Line: +1-617-258-5480
  • ISO Emergency Line Unavailable: If the ISO emergency number is unavailable, students can contact MIT Police at +1-617-253-2996 or +1-617-253-1212, and they will notify ISO staff.

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Additional Travel Resources
  • MIT Resources:
    • Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel (OGC) webpage.
    • MIT Global Support Resources – Travel and Safety Abroad website.
    • Technology Tips For Travelers (IS&T) webpage.
      • International Travel Considerations section.
  • U.S. Government Resources:
    • The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Guidelines For Travel Re-Entry For F-1 Non-Immigrants webpage.
    • The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel for International Visitors webpage.
    • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor Entering the United States information.
    • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor webpage.
    • The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel for International Visitors webpage.
  • Other Travel Resources:
    • The New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Know Your Rights: What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry guide.
    • The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport website.

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Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Visa and Travel web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

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MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education